IRVINE, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 31, 2008 -- Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW - News), a world leader in the products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular disease, is saddened to learn of the death of Philip M. Neal, a member of the company's board of directors.

"Phil Neal was a tremendous friend, peer and mentor, as well as a valued, trusted board member. We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of his passing," said Michael A. Mussallem, Edwards' chairman and CEO. "The wisdom and guidance he provided were instrumental in reaching the goals we set as a newly public company and we are grateful for his contributions. We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Neal family."

Neal was the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Avery Dennison Corporation, and had been a director of Edwards since 2000, when the company was spun off from Baxter International Inc. as an independent, publicly held corporation.

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Edwards treats advanced cardiovascular disease with its market-leading heart valve therapies, and critical care and vascular technologies. In 2008, Edwards celebrates 50 years of partnering with clinicians to develop life-saving innovations. The company's global brands, which are sold in approximately 100 countries, include CardioVations, Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, FloTrac, Fogarty, PERIMOUNT Magna and Swan-Ganz. Additional company information can be found at http://www.edwards.com.

Edwards is a trademark of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, FloTrac, Fogarty, Magna, PERIMOUNT Magna and Swan-Ganz are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. CardioVations is a trademark of Edwards Lifesciences AG and is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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